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UPDATED:
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll says the Department of Transport is awaiting a final report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
"We know the Lydiard Street level crossing closure has caused frustration for the Ballarat community - but we can't rush our decision and action until we have settled on a solution that works for everyone," Mr Carroll said.
"The complexity of finding a solution for this crossing is immense and the safety of drivers, pedestrians and rail passengers has to be our absolute priority - we're working with the Ballarat community and key groups to deliver the best outcome.
"Reports that the solution is as simple as putting up existing gates for $200,000 are incorrect and misleading - this intersection has safety, accessibility and heritage complexities that must all be considered before we take action."
A statement from the Minister's office said following the results of investigations, V/Line and Department of Transport were working to investigate design options as quickly as possible for the future of the level crossing, "with safety the highest priority."
"Following extensive investigation and assessments after the incident and of the level crossing itself, we are communication closely with stakeholders and the community on this issue going forward."
EARLIER
A Lydiard Street resident who says she's had enough of what she says is 'contempt' from VLine and the Department of Transport over the railway gate closures is organising a protest and petition in an attempt to force the issue.
Federica Perovic lives on the north side of Lydiard Street. She told The Courier she had heard so many complaints from residents about the ongoing closure, she decided it was time to do something.
"I've just been hearing from so many people who have just had enough," Ms Perovic says.
"We're just getting treated with contempt. Look: my brother went down to Peel Street, to the ANZ bank down there; and because they're doing road work there, he had to go all the way around and up Humffray Street and Scotts Parade to get down to the bridge.
"I mean, Lydiard Street, it's a major thoroughfare really."
The gates were destroyed in a train accident in late-May last year.
Ms Perovic is calling for residents to meet on the north side of the closed gates on Friday March 19 at 11am, where she hopes to have speakers and will gather signatures for a petition to present to Roads and Transport Minister Ben Carroll.
"Hopefully we might have Roma Britnell (shadow minister for Rural Roads, Ports and Freight) there as well," Ms Perovic says.
"She's coming up on March 19, so we can get her to see how so many people are frustrated with, with the VLine and Victrack, you know? We're going to have a forms to fill out for a petition which I'm hoping to pass on to Ben Carroll.
"Hopefully, we'll have the mayor and also (councillor) Amy Johnson there. And, yeah, so hopefully, we'll sort of have that that sort of backup. I'm trying to chase up as many MPs as I possibly can. I'm in constant, contact with Amy Johnson.
"Another thing: you hear so many stories about why they're closed and who's not doing what. Ballarat just needs to be told what is going on. We're not getting told anything. The stories that I've heard, saying that there are gates waiting to go up in Bendigo, they're costing $200,000, and they're just sitting there, not being used."
Not that Ms Petrovic wants anything other than the heritage gates restored.
"I don't want any of these boom gates, oh no, I can tell you that," she says.
"Look: all I want people to say, all I want to say is, 'Put the gates back.' I want people to be vocal, to sign the petition, so even if I have to go down to Parliament myself and to hand it over to Ben Carroll, you know, I'm going to do it."
The Courier understands further talks between The City of Ballarat and the Department of Transport over the issue of the opening and restoration of the Lydiard Street gates are scheduled for next week.
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